ADULT

SABBATH SCHOOL

LESSONS

Entering God's Rest

APR MAY JUN 1995

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Joshua, God's Man

The Two Joshuas

Battle Strategy

Reconnaissance

Crossing to Conquer

The Shout of Victory

Treachery in the Camp

Enemy Stratagem

Canaan's Conquest Completed

Dividing the Inheritance

Stage I

Dividing the Inheritance

Stage II

Passing the Torch

"We Will Serve the Lord"

104

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Principal Contributor

Richard M. Davidson

Editor

Erwin R. Gane

Associate Editor

Lyndelle Chiomenti

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Pacific Press Coordinator

Jerry D. Thomas

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The preparation of the lessons is under

the general direction of a worldwide

Sabbath School Lesson Committee,

the members of which serve as

consulting editors. The published lesson

quarterly reflects the input of the

committee and thus does not

solely or necessarily represent

the intent of the authors.

Contents

Meet the Principal Contributor

to This Quarter's Lessons

Richard M. Davidson is professor of

Old Testament Exegesis and chairman

of the Old Testament Department at the

Seventh-day Adventist Theological

Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien

Springs, Michigan. He has been with the

Andrews faculty since 1979.

Born in California, Davidson attended

Loma Linda University, Riverside, Cali-

fornia, graduating in 1968 with a bach-

elor of arts degree in theology. Two years

later he earned his master of divinity

degree summa cum laude from the

Seventh-day Adventist Theological

Seminary at Andrews University. He re-

ceived his doctorate in biblical studies at Andrews in 1981. His doctoral

dissertation was titled "Typological Structures in the Old and New

Testaments." It is now published under the title

Typology in Scripture.

Before coming to Andrews, Davidson served as an associate pastor

of a Seventh-day Adventist church in Phoenix, Arizona, and as pastor

of the Flagstaff Seventh-day Adventist Church for more than five years.

He was ordained as a minister in Prescott, Arizona, in 1974.

Davidson is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the

Evangelical Theological Society, the Chicago Society of Biblical Re-

search, and the Adventist Theological Society.

Davidson has written a number of articles for journals and Adventist

denominational papers. His most recent book is entitled A

Love Song

for the Sabbath

(Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988).

He is married to Jo Ann Mazat Davidson. They have a daughter

Rahel, and a son Jonathan.

Check with your local Adventist Book

Center for the companion book to this

quarter's lessons.

Clip this

memo

to your

calendar

Help God's love to be felt in a real

way by thousands of people in the

Moldova, Ukraine, and

Southern Unions

of Euro-Asia Division

this 13th Sabbath

June 24, 1995

Sabbath School Action Units

Imagine a Sabbath School where there is optimum participation,

fellowship, and learning. Each class of six to eight people has an

outreach leader, an outreach plan, and twenty minutes to talk about it

every Sabbath morning. This is the Sabbath School Action Unit plan—

a simple plan whose ultimate goal is to organize, equip, and mobilize

the church to complete the task of Global Mission. As this dynamic

program of nurture and outreach has spread around the world, it has

met with tremendous success. We thought you would enjoy a few

comments from members and world leaders who share, with excite-

ment, their experiences with Action Units:

"The Sabbath School Action Unit plan is God's plan for a finished

work in the African-Indian Ocean Division and in all the world."

—Janice Emanuel, Sabbath School director, African-Indian Ocean

Division.

"I couldn't see . . . church without it [the Sabbath School Action

Unit plan]."—George Soya, pastor, Richland, Washington.

"Everything new brings resistance. But this was not the case with

Sabbath School Action Units. . . . Sabbath School seems to be more

dynamic, more enthusiastic, and participation is great. It has brought a

breath of fresh air into the whole church program."—Jose Silva, youth

director, South American Division.

"This is the best plan I've seen to revitalize the church in many

years."—Letter sent to Jose Silva, youth director, South American

Division.

"Realizing that the work will not be finished unless the majority of

our members work together with our ministers, . . . Sabbath School

Action Units provide the method to involve everybody—adult and

youth—in reaching our goal. We want Sabbath School Action Units in

every church in the Far East."—Dr. Jonathan Kuntaraf, Church Minis-

tries, Far Eastern Division.

"After 13 years in Sabbath School, only now has it become mean-

ingful to me."—Church member, Durban, South Africa.

"Now our Sabbath School has come alive. Our members have be-

come active."—Church member, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

"For the first time old and young are teamed up, talking, listening to,

and praying for one another."—Church member, Johannesburg, South

Africa.

"It is the most efficient means of spiritual revival in the church."

—Church member, Yaounde Center, Camaroun.

Information on Sabbath School Action Units is available from Elder

Calvin Smith, Church Ministries Department, General Conference.

Introduction to Joshua

Entering God's Rest

The book of Joshua is pivotal in the flow of Old Testament history.

On the one hand, it provides the capstone to the Pentateuch. Coming at

the end of the forty years' wilderness wandering, it describes the

fulfillment of the promises God made to the patriarchs in Genesis that

Israel would enter and inherit the land of Canaan. On the other hand,

the book of Joshua is the foundation for the rest of the biblical story. It

is the first book of the former prophets (in the Hebrew Bible) or the

historical books (in the English order of the canon). It provides the

action-packed account of Israel's first twenty-five years in Canaan

(about 1410 B.C. to 1385 B.C.), including the conquest of Canaan

(lasting about seven years), and the dividing of the inheritance. The

book climaxes with Joshua's farewell addresses, delivered near the end

of his life, in which Israel's covenant with God was renewed.

The title of the book derives from its chief human character, Joshua

the son of Nun, Moses' successor and God's man to lead Israel into

Canaan. Joshua authored all of the book that bears his name, except for

the report of his death (Joshua 24:29-32). That was written probably by

Eleazer son of Aaron. The report of Eleazer's death (verse 33) prob-

ably was written by Phinehas.

The life and experience of Joshua provides a model of powerful

spiritual leadership. Joshua's life prefigured the Greater Joshua, who

would lead His people to experience God's spiritual rest and ultimately

bring them physically to the heavenly Canaan. This book gives pro-

found insights into the principles of Christian spiritual warfare—with

Jesus the New Joshua at our head. The major focus of the book,

however, (whether as history or as type) is not the conquest itself. The

conquest and dividing of the inheritance produce the promised

end—the experience of God's rest in the land. (See Deut. 3:20; 12:10;

Joshua 1:13, 15; 11:23; 23:1.) This quarter, let us hear the resonating

invitation of this book. Let us also enter into God's rest!

Overview of Joshua

Joshua 1:1—

12:24

Joshua 13:1—

21:45

Joshua 22:1-

24:33

The Conquest of

Canaan

Dividing the

Inheritance

Joshua's Farewell

Addresses

Lesson 1



March 26-April 1

Joshua, God's Man

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Ex. 17:8-14; Num. 13:1-

14:38; 27:12-23.

MEMORY TEXT: "And the Lord said to Moses: 'Take Joshua

the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay

your hand on him' " (Numbers 27:18, NKJV).

KEY THOUGHT:

The life of Joshua before the conquest of

Canaan reveals the experience and depth of character that prepared

this great leader of Israel.

A BIBLICAL HALL OF FAME.

Here is a list of some of the

most powerful leaders in biblical history: Shammua, Shaphat, Igal,

Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, Geuel. Are you famil-

iar with these figures? Probably not. But now let us add the last two

names of the list in Numbers 13: Caleb and Joshua. It is astound-

ing—twelve princes, each governing thousands of people. Yet the

names of ten are lost in obscurity, while two men rose to greatness.

Ten failed dismally, dragging down a whole generation with them.

But two immortalize victory, faith, and success. What made the

difference?

Later in the quarter we will study about Caleb. But this week we

will focus on Joshua. We will examine the incidents in his life that

occurred as a prelude to the events described in the book of Joshua.

From these accounts emerges the portrait of an extraordinary man—

Joshua, a spiritual giant.

Sunday



March 26

JOSHUA THE GENERAL (Ex. 17:8-14).

Joshua first appears in the Bible rather abruptly (Ex. 17:9, 10).

Nothing is said of his ancestry, tribe, or history. However, Moses

knows him well, and is confident in his ability as leader and soldier.

From the first, Joshua is a successful warrior-general fighting the

battles of the Lord. Verse 14 also hints at the work God had in store

for him. God's promise to destroy utterly the Amalekites was to be

written in a book and recounted in the hearing, not of all Israel, but of

Joshua. God's hand was already upon him.

What qualities of leadership do you detect in Joshua as a

general? Ex. 17:8-16; Joshua 6-8. How did Joshua show compas-

sion? Joshua 6:22, 23.

In God's warfare, mercy takes precedence. The citizens of Jericho

had heard of the plagues against Egypt, the Red Sea crossing, and the

judgments that befell Israel as a result of their participation in the

religion of Baalpeor. For 40 years (the time between Israel's depar-

ture from Egypt and their entrance into Canaan) these citizens had

time to consider the nature of the true God and commit their lives to

Him. But only one family did so. Joshua's act of compassion tells us

that God delights more in salvation than in destruction. (See Eze.

18:21-23, 32.)

What was Joshua's ultimate source of power in battle? What

can we learn about the balance of faith and works in this account

of the battle against the Amalekites? Ex. 17:11-15 (compare Joshua

5:13-15).

"As the Hebrews triumphed when Moses was reaching his hands

toward heaven and interceding in their behalf, so the Israel of God

prevail when they by faith take hold upon the strength of their mighty

Helper. Yet divine strength is to be combined with human effort.

Moses did not believe that God would overcome their foes while

Israel remained inactive. While the great leader was pleading with

the Lord, Joshua and his brave followers were putting forth their

utmost efforts to repulse the enemies of Israel and of

God."—Patri-

archs

and Prophets,

p. 299.

How are the qualities of leadership displayed by Joshua

helpful to have in the fight against sin? By what means can we

obtain these qualities?

Monday



March 27

JOSHUA THE PRIME MINISTER (Ex. 24:12-14; 33:11; Num.

11:28).

What term best describes Joshua's office as Moses' personal

assistant? Ex. 24:13; 33:11.

The modern English equivalent of the Hebrew word used to de-

scribe Joshua's office is "minister," here probably "prime minister."

The Hebrew word implies service, but in the sense of "ministerial

service," in contrast to another Hebrew word, which often implies

"menial service."

List Joshua's responsibilities in his position as prime minister

to Moses. Ex. 24:12, 13; 33:7-11.

What character qualities of Joshua are evident from these

incidents? How did these traits qualify him for his later responsi-

bilities?

The high honor that attended Joshua as Moses' personal minister

is apparent in the duties this position required of him. In Numbers

11:27-29, we glimpse the sterling character of Joshua. Moses sums

up the spirit of Joshua as he replies to his aide, "Are you jealous for

my sake? I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the

Lord would put his Spirit on them" (NIV). Indeed, Joshua stands in

sharp contrast to the rest of Israel as they cavort and sing around the

golden calf.

"During the sojourn in the wilderness he [Joshua] had acted as

prime minister to Moses, and by his quiet, unpretending fidelity, his

steadfastness when others wavered, his firmness to maintain the truth

in the midst of danger, he had given evidence of his fitness to

succeed Moses, even before he was called to the position by the

voice of God.

"It was with great anxiety and self-distrust that Joshua had looked

forward to the work before him; but his fears were removed by the

assurance of God, 'As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee:

will

not fail thee, nor forsake thee.'

"—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 481,

482.

What can we learn about "servant leadership" in the church

today from the example of Joshua? What kind of "ministry"

has God given to every Christian? 2 Cor. 5:18.

Tuesday



March 28

JOSHUA THE SCOUT (Num. 13:1-14:38; 32:11, 12).

What does the account of the twelve spies tell us about Joshua?

Num. 13:1-14:38; 32:11,12. To contrast the spirit and character-

istics of Joshua and Caleb with those of the other ten spies, fill in

the blanks of the chart below.

Caleb/Joshua

The Remaining 10 Spies

cowardliness

hopefulness

pessimism

truthfulness

rebelliousness

"Caleb and Joshua attempted to quiet the tumult. With their gar-

ments rent in token of grief and indignation, they rushed in among

the people, and their ringing voices were heard above the tempest of

lamentation and rebellious grief. . . .

"The unfaithful spies were loud in denunciation of Caleb and

Joshua, and the cry was raised to stone

them."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

pp. 389, 390.

What lesson can we learn from Joshua about the safety of

trusting in the voice of the majority?

"For Joshua the lesson was quite clear: the majority is not always

right. In fact, it is very often wrong. The men and women God uses

have always stood against the flow. . . . We need to remember this.

Ours is a day when truth is determined by consensus, when justice is

struck by a five-four vote, when 'everybody is doing it' has become

the pervasive rationale for behavior."—R. Kent Hughes,

Living on

the Cutting Edge: Joshua and the Challenge of Spiritual Leadership

Publishers, Crossway Books, Wheaton, Ill. 60187.)

What evidence of truth being determined by consensus do

you

see

in the world? How can you successfully resist doing

something because everyone else is doing it?

Wednesday



March 29

JOSHUA THE SPIRIT-FILLED LEADER (Num. 27:12-23).

Summarize the events leading to God's command for Moses to

appoint a successor. Num. 20:10-13; 27:12-17.

What distinguishing characteristic qualified Joshua to be Moses'

successor? Num. 27:18.

List other Bible worthies who were distinguished by this same

quality.

Gen. 41:38, 39



Judges 6:34



Ps. 51:11, 12



Luke 1:35, 41, 42



Acts 2:1-4



"From the beginning, God has been working by His Holy Spirit

through human instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His pur-

pose in behalf of the fallen race. This was manifest in the lives of the

patriarchs. To the church in the wilderness also, in the time of Moses,

God gave His 'good Spirit to instruct them.' And in the days of the

apostles He wrought mightily for His church through the agency of

the Holy Spirit. The same power that sustained the patriarchs, that

gave Caleb and Joshua faith and courage, and that made the work of

the apostolic church effective, has upheld God's faithful children in

every succeeding age."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 53.

How essential is the Holy Spirit for effective spiritual leader-

ship today? How may we be sure of His presence? Zech. 4:6;

John 14:12-18; 16:5-15.

The Holy Spirit brings with Him all of heaven's wealth and assets.

But we cannot receive these resources if we are not willing to invite

Him into our hearts. He will not force Himself upon anyone who

does not welcome Him. (See

Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 419.)

Thursday



March 30

JOSHUA THE TWICE-COMMISSIONED SUCCESSOR OF

MOSES (Deut. 31:1-6, 14, 23).

What did the "laying on of hands" signify in the commission-

ing of Joshua by Moses? Num. 27:18-23. Does this same signifi-

cance apply in the ordaining of ministers and gospel workers

today? See Acts 6:6; 13:3; 2 Tim. 1:6.

In Old Testament times the laying on of hands is associated with a

special ceremony of blessing and consecration for full-time ministry

(Gen. 48:14; Num. 8:10). When Moses laid his hands on Joshua at

his inauguration, he gave him some of his authority (Num. 27:19,

20), and this inauguration was attended by the filling of the Holy

Spirit (Deut. 34:9).

"Before being sent forth as missionaries to the heathen world,

these apostles [Paul and Barnabas] were solemnly dedicated to God

by fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands. Thus they were

authorized by the church, not only to teach the truth, but to perform

the rite of baptism and to organize churches, being invested with full

ecclesiastical authority. . . . Their ordination was a public recognition

of their divine appointment to bear to the Gentiles the glad tidings of

the gospel.

"Both Paul and Barnabas had already received their commission

from God Himself, and the ceremony of the laying on of hands added

no new grace or virtual qualification. It was an acknowledged form

of designation to an appointed office and a recognition of one's

authority in that office. By it the seal of the church was set upon the

work of God."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 161, 162.

Joshua received not only a human commission at the hand of

Moses, but a divine commission. What was the procedure for the

divine commission? Deut. 31:14-23.

In both the human and divine commission, what was the main

point of emphasis of the charge given by Moses and the Lord?

Deut. 31:6-8, 23.

Consider how the same "words of holy cheer" spoken by

God to Joshua apply to your own spiritual warfare. (Note how

the New Testament makes this application in Hebrews 13:5.)

Friday



March 31

FURTHER STUDY: The many facets of Joshua's life teach us that

when we trust God, we can do wonderful things for Him. Read the

following Bible stories. How did the characters in each story trust

God? What was the result of that trust? Ex. 1:22-2:9; Matt. 8:5-10.

Pray that God will help you to have such trust.

Read

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 297-300, 313, 314, 319, 320,

387-394;

Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 148-154;

Testimonies,

vol. 5,

pp. 376-380.

"If men will walk in the path that God has marked out for them,

they will have a counselor whose wisdom is far above any human

wisdom. Joshua was a wise general because God was his guide. The

first sword that Joshua used was the sword of the Spirit, the Word of

God. . . .

"There is no greater deception than for man to suppose that in any

difficulty he can find a better guide than God, a wiser counselor in

any emergency, a stronger defense under any circumstance."

—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 2, p. 993.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you agree with the following assessment? "We have

many professing Christians in our day. . . . But we do not

seem to have many Joshuas. We do not have many who,

without trying to be novel or spectacular, determine to

obey the law of God in every particular and then actually

do obey it throughout a long lifetime of faithful service."

—James M. Boice,

Joshua: We Will Serve the Lord

(Old

Tappan, N.J.: Revell, a division of Baker Book House Com-

pany, 1989), p. 11.

What is the result when the church lacks Joshuas?

What lies at the foundation of our failure to be like Joshua?

What practical steps can we as individuals take to become

spiritual giants like Joshua?

How would you summarize the lessons that Joshua learned

in his years of preparation for leadership as Moses' suc-

cessor? Which of these leadership characteristics are still

vital in the making of spiritual leaders today?

SUMMARY:

Through his experiences as a wise general, loyal prime

minister, faithful scout, and spiritual leader, God prepared Joshua for

his ultimate commission as Moses' successor and Israel's leader.

God needs the same kind of spiritual leaders in His church today.

VBS Opens Way in Iraq

Sven Jensen

Global Mission

Vacation Bible Schools are opening the way for evangelism

in the Middle Eastern country of Iraq. Recently two VBS pro-

grams were conducted, one of them in Baghdad.

Because of limited facilities, enrollment at the Baghdad VBS

program was limited to 130 children. One woman who wanted

her children to be enrolled, insisted on bringing chairs for her six

children if they were allowed to attend the program.

All the parents were invited to attend the closing activities of

Vacation Bible School. More than 300 attended this program,

and after the meeting many expressed their appreciation to the

church and its staff members for conducting the program.

The second VBS program was conducted in Kirkuk, in an

area where no Adventist minister lives. Fifty children attended

the VBS program which was conducted by the pastor of the

Ninivah church along with his wife and a volunteer from the

Baghdad church.

Following the VBS program the pastor visited the families of

children who attended VBS. As a result, 17 parents attended the

church in one week. The Ninivah pastor visits Kirkuk every two

weeks to follow up the interests that the VBS program has

developed.

Vacation Bible School materials are being translated and

prepared for Arab cultures throughout the Middle East, accord-

ing to Sven Jensen, church ministries director for the Middle

East Union.

Through the Vacation Bible School program, workers in Iraq

and other Arab countries are making progress in reaching people

that otherwise would be difficult to reach.

Please pray for the work in the Middle East, especially in

Iraq, where our members have faced many difficulties.

Sven Jensen

is director of church ministries for the Middle East

Union. He received this report from our workers in Iraq.

For (_ urrent



sbreak. Call 1-800-648-5824.



Lesson 2



April 2-8

The Two Joshuas

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Num. 13:16; Joshua 1:2-5;

3:7; Deut. 18:15-19; 34:10-12; Hebrews 3 and 4.

MEMORY TEXT: "For if Joshua had given them rest, then

He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There

remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:8,

9, NKJV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Joshua is a type of the New Testament Joshua,

Jesus Christ, who provides victory and rest to spiritual Israel.

JOSHUA TYPOLOGY.

The experience of Joshua provides more

than an exemplary life for us to follow. We will learn this week how

Scripture presents Joshua as a type of Christ, the New Joshua. Joshua's

conquest of Canaan and his leading of Israel into rest in the Promised

Land is a divine prefiguration of Jesus' personal conquest of the

powers of evil. Joshua's work foreshadowed Christ's provision of

spiritual victory, the rest of grace for all who are in Him, and the

ultimate conquest and eternal inheritance of the Christian's Promised

Land—heaven. The book of Joshua is nothing less than an Old

Testament type showing us how to possess victoriously the Promised

Land with our New Joshua at the lead; indeed, how we can all

conquer in the spirit of Joshua.

Sunday



April 2

WHAT'S IN A NAME (Num. 13:16; Matt. 1:21; Heb. 4:8).

What is the significance of the change of Joshua's name?

Num. 13:8, 16. Compare the changing of Joshua's name with

other biblical figures who received a change of name. Gen. 17:1-

8, 15-19; 32:22-32.

Joshua's original name, Oshea, means "salvation." Under direc-

tion from God, Moses changed his name to Joshua, which means

"The Lord

[Yahweh]

is salvation." The name Joshua is distinctive in

that it is the first name in Scripture in which the divine name

(Yahweh)

is included as part of an individual's name. Is it only accidental that

the divine name is given to Joshua? Or does this signify a special

mission for the one (or One) holding the name that connects human-

ity and God?

In Scripture, a divinely ordained change of name comes at critical

junctures in the flow of salvation history, as with Abram to Abraham,

Sarai to Sarah, and Jacob to Israel. Such a change emphasizes the

character of the individual, and destines that person to a special

divinely appointed work.

"In view of the importance people themselves attached to names,

God changed the names of certain men to make them harmonize with

their experiences, past or future."—SDA

Bible Commentary, vol. 1,

p. 321.

How would Joshua's name change affect the people's view of

him as their new leader?

Allow the full force of Joshua's name to sink in. Read the

promise of the Messiah in Matthew 1:21, and substitute "Joshua"

for "Jesus." Why was the Saviour of the world given the name

"Joshua"? Compare Acts 7:45 with Hebrews 4:8 in the King

James Version.

The name Joshua (Hebrew

Yehoshua

Yeshua)

in Greek is

Iesous,

in English, Jesus. Jesus and Joshua are the same name! Is it only

coincidental that the prophet Moses, under divine inspiration, en-

trusted to his minister the name that God from eternity had reserved

for the Messiah? Our scriptural study in succeeding days this week

should enable us to answer this question more surely.

Monday



April 3

THE SECOND MOSES (Joshua 1:2-5; 3:7; Deut. 18:15-17;

34:10-12).

How does Scripture compare the life and work of Moses with

that of Joshua? Joshua 1:2-5; 3:7; 4:14.

Moses



Joshua



To whom does Moses refer in his prediction about the future

prophet like himself? How does Joshua fit into this picture?

Deut. 18:15-19; 34:10-12; John 1:21; Acts 3:22-26; 7:37.

From reading the parallels between the lives of Moses and Joshua,

it appears on the surface that Joshua is the prophet like Moses who

was to come. Deuteronomy 34:10-12 makes it explicit that although

Joshua was Moses' successor, he was not in the fullest sense that

"prophet like Moses" who was to arise. Joshua partially fulfilled the

prophecy. But the ultimate fulfillment was in the person of the

Messiah. Thus the lives of both Joshua and Moses foreshadowed the

coming Messiah.

What is the nature of typology in Scripture? Study the follow-

ing Scriptures that refer to types, and write a definition of typol-

ogy. Rom. 5:14; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Heb. 8:5; 9:23.

Typology is the study of persons, events, or institutions through

which God prefigures Jesus or the gospel realities brought about by

Him. Because a type points forward, it is essentially predictive in

nature (although the prediction may not be spelled out). Tomorrow

we will discover more clearly how Joshua is a type of Christ.

Tuesday



April 4

THE NEW JOSHUA (Isa. 49:10).

The Old Testament control for typology.

An often-overlooked

aspect of typology is that the Old Testament itself provides the key

for identifying the types in Scripture. Scripture does not let us make

types of anyone or anything. It guides us to understand who and what

God intends us to use as types. In the chart of examples below, the

middle column lists Old Testament indicators of certain persons,

events, or institutions divinely designed to be types:

Old Testament Type

(Person/Event/

Institution)

Old Testament

Verbal Indicator of

Typology

New Testament

Announcement of

Antitype

1. Exodus:

Book of Exodus;

Hosea 11:1; etc.

New Exodus

Hosea 2:14, 15;

12:9, 13; 13:4, 5;

Jer. 16:14, 15; 31:32;

Isa. 42:14-16; 43:1-3,

14-21; 48:20, 21.

Antitypical Exodus

Matt. 1-5; 2:19; Luke

9:31; etc.

2. Sanctuary

Ex. 25-40; etc.

Heavenly Original

Ex. 25:40; Ps. 11:4;

68:35; 96:6; 150:1;

Isa. 6:1-5; Jonah 2:7;

Micah 1:2.

Heavenly Original

Heb. 8:5; 9:24;

Rev. 8:5; 11:19;

16:1; etc.

David

The Psalms (for

example, Ps. 22)

New David

Eze. 37:24; Isa. 9:6;

11:1-5; etc.

Antitypical David

Matt. 27:35;

John 19:24, etc.

Elijah

1 Kings 17-19

New Elijah

Mal. 4:5, 6

Antitypical Elijah

Matt. 11:14; Mark

9:11; Luke 1:17

Moses

Gen.; Ex.; Lev.;

Num.; Deut.

New Moses

Deut. 18:15-19

Antitypical Moses

John 1:17, 21; 6:14,

30-58; etc.

Besides the hints we have already noted, how does the Old

Testament indicate that Joshua is a type of the Messiah? Isa. 49:8

(compare Deut. 1:38; 3:28; 31:7; Joshua 1:6).

The specific task given to Joshua—allotting the inheritance to

Israel—Isaiah says will be the work of the Messiah. Thus Isaiah

indicates that the Messiah will be the antitypical Joshua, recapping in

His life, but on a much greater scale, the work of Joshua son of Nun.

Wednesday



April 5

ENTERING GOD'S REST (Hebrews 3, 4; 12:2, 22; Eph. 2:6).

How does the New Testament verify that Joshua is a type of

Christ? Heb. 3:7-4:11 (note especially 4:1-3, 8).

Hebrews 4:8 in the KJV reads "Jesus," because in Greek the

words Jesus and Joshua are alternative translations of

lesous.

The

context makes clear that this verse is speaking about the "Old Testa-

ment Jesus," namely, Joshua. Most modern versions (including the

NKJV) have cleared up the potential confusion by translating

lesous

here as "Joshua" and not "Jesus."

The comparison and contrast between Joshua and Jesus in He-

brews 3 and 4 demonstrate how Jesus is the antitypical Joshua,

accomplishing in antitype what never was completely fulfilled in

type.

In the typology of Joshua, what does entry into rest in the

Land of Promise prefigure? Heb. 4:1-11 (compare Heb. 12:2, 22

with Eph. 2:6).

We often consider Israel's entry into the Promised Land as a type

of our entry into the heavenly Canaan at the Second Advent. We will

find this is true. But when ancient Israel entered into Canaan, the

battles of conquest had just begun. Though the people were in the

Promised Land, they still needed to subdue and possess by faith what

was already theirs by divine promise.

As in the type, so in the antitype. According to Hebrews 3 and 4,

antitypical Canaan is the place of spiritual "rest of grace" with

victory available to every believer

now.

(See Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 2, p. 928 [MS42, 1901

].) Our

New Joshua has already brought us by faith to the heavenly Canaan.

We are already with Jesus/Joshua "in heavenly places." By faith, we

have

already

come to Mt. Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. When we

become Christians, we enter the Promised Land of Blessing. And yet

the conquest lies ahead. We have yet to gain the victory over seem-

ingly insurmountable enemies. We are still to vanquish the giants

before the final apportionment of the eternal inheritance and the

ultimate rest in heaven.

Hebrews 4 captures these "already" and "not yet" aspects of

biblical typology. Verse 3 states that the rest is present ("we who

have believed do enter that rest"), yet verse 11 describes it as still

future ("Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest").

Thursday



April 6

JOSHUA IN TYPE AND ANTITYPE.

The types of Scripture have one New Testament fulfillment,

but with three different component aspects:

1. The basic fulfillment is in Jesus at His first advent. 2. All who

are "in Jesus" (the church) partake in that fulfillment. 3. The final

consummation comes with the second advent of Christ and beyond.

TYPOLOGY

Old Testament Types

New Testament Antitypes

Persons, Events,

Institutions

Christ

(Christological)

Church

(Ecclesiological)

Final Climax

(Apocalyptic)

Exodus

Christ's Exodus

(Matt. 1-5;

Luke 9:31)

Spiritual Exodus

(Heb. 4;

2 Cor. 6:17)

Apocalyptic

Exodus

(Rev. 15:1-3)

Sanctuary/Temple

Christ as Temple

(John 1:14; 2:21;

Matt. 12:6)

Church as Temple

(1 Cor. 3:16, 17;

2 Cor. 6:16)

Heavenly Temple/

Ultimate Temple

(Rev. 3:12; 7:15;

11:19; 21:3, 22)

Now finish the chart below.

THREEFOLD TYPOLOGY OF JOSHUA

Old Testament

Joshua

Jesus

Church

End Time

Leads Israel to

Canaan after 40

years (Joshua 1-5)

Ascended to heav-

enly Canaan after

40 days (Acts 1:3,

9-11; Heb. 1, 2)

To Mt. Zion by

faith (Heb. 12:22-

24)

Entry into Prom-

ised Land after

millennium (Rev.

20:9; 21:2, 3)

Conducts con-

quest of Israel's

enemies (Joshua

6-12)

Conducts conquest

of Israel's enemies

(Col. 2:15)

Spiritual warfare

Final battle

against the

enemies of God

Leads Israel into

God's rest (Joshua

1:13-15;



14:15;

21:44)

(Matt. 11:28; Heb.

Spiritual rest of

grace (Heb. 4)

Appoints the

inheritance

(Joshua



1:6;



13-

21)

(Heb. 1:4; 9:15)

Receive spiritual

inheritance (Acts

20:32; Eph. 1:11,

14, 18)

(Matt. 25:34)

Friday



April 7

FURTHER STUDY:

Study the following types in Scripture: the

Flood (Gen. 6; 7; Matt. 24:38, 39; 1 Thess. 5:3;

Patriarchs and

Prophets,

pp. 101-104) and Elijah (1 Kings 17-19; Mal. 4:5, 6; Matt.

1 1 :14;

Mark 9:11; Luke 1:17). If you have time, enhance this study

by charting these types as shown in Tuesday's and Thursday's les-

sons.

For further study of Bible typology, see Richard M. Davidson,

"Sanctuary Typology," in

Symposium in Revelation—book

I, ed.

Frank Holbrook, Daniel and Revelation Committee Series, vol. 6

(Silver Spring, Md.: Biblical Research Institute, 1992), pp. 100-102,

106-108, 129, 130.

"The course of God's people should be upward and onward to

victory. A greater than Joshua is leading on the armies of Israel. One

is in our midst, even the Captain of our salvation, who has said for

our encouragement: `Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of

the world.' Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' He will

lead us on to certain

victory."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 122.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What is the importance of biblical typology in general? Of

seeing Joshua as a type of Christ, in particular?

Why does the Old Testament point out the typology of

Joshua? Would typology be truly predictive if we could

identify it only after the New Testament fulfillment?

How is Joshua a type for victorious Christian living?

SUMMARY: The book of

Joshua gives the type for experiencing

"victorious living" and the "rest of grace." The preparation, the battle

strategies for conquering spiritual enemies, the source of strength

and success, the causes of setbacks, and the divine remedy, the

allotment of the spiritual inheritance, and the experience of "possess-

ing our possessions"—this book has them all! It has the basic prin-

ciples of "kingdom living," especially in this time when we are

literally about to enter heavenly Canaan. In this book we find illus-

trated how we may become "more than conquerors" (Rom. 8:37)!

-1



Global Mission

%.%

The Woman Who Built a Church, part 1

Maye Porter

Arime is a joyful Christian who lives in a village in the

coffee-growing section of Papua New Guinea. But it was not

always so.

One day while performing some "magic" to help kill her

husband, Arime broke her leg and was hospitalized. While she

was recuperating, an Adventist layman, a pastor, and some Dorcas

women visited her. She was impressed with their sincerity, so

when she returned home, she decided to attend the nearest Adventist

women's welfare meeting.

When Arime returned from the hospital she found that her

husband had fled the village, fearing for his life. Arime was all

alone in her very small house. She joined the women's Dorcas

group, and eventually the church's baptismal class. As she stud-

ied the Bible with them she began to feel a burden for the tribal

members of her village.

Armed with only an old Picture Roll, Arime and her

high-school-aged sister, Naomi, began a Branch Sabbath School

that eventually numbered 30 people. After some months, Arime

and a jovial old man from the village were baptized. The two

decided to build a church for their Branch Sabbath School, but

they found that getting suitable land was a problem.

One day Arime noticed a young man named Jack building a

fence along the highway. As she watched, she realized that the

land inside his fence would be just right for a church. Acting

braver than she felt, Arime approached Jack and expressed her

desire to build a church on that land.

"No way!" he responded. "I am fencing this land so I can

plant a garden here. You go somewhere else to look for land. I

don't want to have anything to do with your church!"

A very subdued Arime walked sadly away, but Jack felt

uncomfortable. He began thinking that if God wanted

His

land

on which to build a church, he had better not stand in God's way

or maybe something bad might happen to him!

(continued)

Maye

Porter works with children's ministries in Papua New

Guinea.

For Current Newsbreak, Call 1-800-648-5824.

Lesson 3



April 9-15

Battle Strategy

.0'"



-.-



--.-

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Joshua 1:6-18; Deut. 31:1-8.

MEMORY TEXT: "This book of the law shall not depart

from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night,

that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.

For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you

will have good success" (Joshua 1:8, NKJV).

KEY THOUGHT:

At the beginning of Joshua's task as Israel's

leader, God revealed the secrets of success in the conquest and

beyond.

STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS.

In many ways, the opening chap-

ter of Joshua sums up the whole message of the book. Here God

Himself gives to Joshua, and to us, the strategy for success in our

spiritual warfare. God outlines four clear, practical components in

the battle strategy, and adds His guarantee of success for the one who

is willing to follow His blueprint. "Joshua models a faith that is more

than intellectual. He is willing to turn his back to the past, claim the

promises, meet the conditions, and give all that it will take to com-

plete the lifelong tasks entrusted to him."—John A. Huffman, Jr.,

The Communicator's Commentary: Joshua

(Waco, Texas: Word Books,

Inc., 1986), p. 38. Thus, Joshua becomes a model not only for the

Israelites but for us as well. Pray for God to live in your heart so that

you too may have a faith like Joshua's.

Sunday



April 9

UNDAUNTED COURAGE (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18).

As Israel's new leader, Joshua assumed tasks that included help-

ing the people cross the Jordan and assisting them in subduing the

land and taking possession of it. (See Deut. 31:1-8; Joshua 1:2-5.)

How can we identify with these tasks in our own spiritual

lives? How do the Christian's spiritual objectives compare with

Joshua's and Israel's? Eph. 6:12; Heb. 4:8-11.

Our spiritual goals are antitypes of Joshua's goals. We are charged

to enter the Promised Land, the rest of grace, to engage in spiritual

warfare against our spiritual enemies in order to possess our spiritual

inheritance and to experience victory in the Christian life!

What is the first component in the divine battle strategy? How

many times is this command repeated as Joshua takes over the

reins of leadership? Why is there this repetition? Deut. 31:7, 23;

Joshua 1:5, 7, 9, 18.

Joshua's new responsibilities as leader of Israel almost over-

whelmed him. How could he lead Israel across the swollen Jordan,

conquer the walled cities, and slay the giants? How could he success-

fully subdue the land?

"It was with great anxiety and self-distrust that Joshua had looked

forward to the work before

him."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 482.

Then came the charge, "Be strong and of good courage!" The He-

brew here may be translated by several English terms: "Be firm,

courageous, confident! Be bold!" Twice from Moses, three times

from the Lord Himself, and once more from the people, Joshua heard

the challenge: "Be strong and of good courage."

This is one of the divine prerequisites for spiritual victory. But

these words from the Lord are also a promise of help and a command

to trust Him. Whenever He asks us to be something or do something,

He will always give us His power to accomplish the task.

When has the following proven true in your life? "A discour-

aged soul is filled with darkness, shutting out the light of God

from his own soul and casting a shadow upon the pathway of

others."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 117. Consider sharing with your

Sabbath School class how the Lord enabled you to overcome

this discouragement.

Monday



April 10

UNWAVERING CONFIDENCE IN DIVINE PROMISES

(Joshua 1:3-6, 9).

What is the secret of obtaining and maintaining undaunted

courage? Joshua 1:3-6, 9; Deut. 31:6-8, 23.

The second ingredient in the divine battle strategy focuses on

God's promises. Every time God commands Joshua to be coura-

geous, He couples the command with a divine promise! God does not

ask us to be bold simply by the power of positive thinking. Our

courage comes from accepting God's unfailing promises.

Armed with the promises of God, Joshua could experience un-

daunted courage. The river Jordan parted before Israel. The walls of

Jericho collapsed at the sound of their shout. The enemies melted in

fear and defeat while the Lord fought for Israel as He had promised.

At the end of Joshua's victorious campaigns, he could testify to

God's unfailing promises. (See Joshua 21:43-45.) Ellen White re-

peatedly connects courage with the claiming of God's promises:

"Again I say: Be of good courage. Trust in the Lord. Let not the

enemy rob you of the

promises."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 593.

How can we apply God's promise to Joshua to our lives?

Joshua 1:5; Heb. 13:5, 6.

As a sure antidote for discouragement, begin to collect and

claim the precious promises of God found in His Holy Word. (See

2 Peter 1:2-4.) Someone has counted more than 3,500 specific

Bible promises—suited to all our needs!

How do we claim Bible promises? Are you regularly claiming

God's promises?

Ellen White summarizes three crucial biblical steps in claiming

God's promises:

For any gift He has promised, we may ask (Matt 21:22).

Then we are to believe that we receive (Mark 11:24).

Return thanks to God that we have received (John 11:41;

1 Thess. 5:18; see

Education,

p. 258).

Find one of God's promises now that can be of special ben-

efit to your life. Then claim that promise using the three steps

above. Continue to do so throughout the week.

Tuesday



April 11

UNSWERVING COMMITMENT TO GOD'S WILL (Joshua 1:7,

last part).

What is the third ingredient in God's formula for success in

spiritual warfare? Joshua 1:7.

The book of Joshua testifies to the way God blesses when there is

total consecration to His revealed will.

"Joshua, the commander of Israel, searched the books diligently in

which Moses has faithfully chronicled the directions given by God—

His requirements, reproofs, and restrictions—lest he should move

unadvisedly. Joshua was afraid to trust his own impulses, or his own

wisdom."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol.

2, pp. 993, 994.

Survey the following events recorded in the book of Joshua.

What happened when the people obeyed God's will? When they

did not?

Joshua 6



Joshua 7



Joshua 17:13



"Achan's sin brought disaster upon the whole nation. For one

man's sin the displeasure of God will rest upon His church till the

transgression is searched out and put away. The influence most to be

feared by the church is not that of open opposers, infidels, and

blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of Christ. These are the

ones that keep back the blessing of the God of Israel and bring

weakness upon His

people."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 497.

The climax of the book (Joshua 24:15) is the eloquent appeal

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve."

What alluring "Babylonish garments" or giants of sin threaten

to stand between you and total commitment to God?

Wednesday



April 12

UNINTERRUPTED COMMUNION (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1).

What is the fourth component of the battle strategy for success

in spiritual warfare? Joshua 1:8.

We cannot obey God on our own. Note the intimate connection

between meditation on God's Word and obedience.

Explore the various dimensions of truly Christian meditation

by answering the following questions. These texts will help you:

Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; Joshua 24:1-8.

What is the meaning of meditation?



What is its subject matter?



What mental attitude is involved?



How do we most effectively personalize our meditation?

The word

meditate

used in Joshua 1:8 means "to give forth sighs."

We can imagine Joshua poring over God's word until the sighs of

contentment begin to come forth spontaneously: "Ahhh!" This is to

be a continual experience. We should memorize Scripture so that we

can constantly ruminate on it even as we lie down and rise up. The

meditation the Bible calls for is not the mysticism of Eastern reli-

gions, which looks within oneself. We must meditate on the Bible

and Christ. Notice that Joshua looked to the written Word.

Begin to explore the powerful principle of personalizing Scripture

as illustrated in Joshua 24. Put your own name in the story. Consider

that the events in the biblical narratives happened to you personally!

How willing are you to have intense personal communion

with God based on His written Word? Do you have a time

every day for Bible study? What methods of Bible study have

you found most beneficial to your spiritual life?

Thursday



April 13

GOOD SUCCESS (Joshua 1:9-18).

Review the fourfold strategy for success that we learned about this

week. For those who follow this strategy, the promise is fantastic:

"Then

you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have

good success" (Joshua 1:8, NKJV). Does God mean what He says?

Shall we take Him at His word?

"The Lord has a great work to be done in our world. To every man

He has given

His

work for man to do. But man is not to make man his

guide, lest he be led astray; this is always unsafe. While Bible

religion embodies the principles of activity in service, at the same

time there is the necessity of asking for wisdom daily from the

Source of all wisdom."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible

Commentary,

vol. 2, p. 993.

What evidence do we have that Joshua immediately imple-

mented the divine battle strategy? Joshua 1:10-18 (compare 5:13-

15).

As soon as Joshua receives the guarantee of God's presence, he

acts. He accepts God's will for his life as final without debate or

question; he puts plans into effect that will accomplish God's goal.

Joshua obviously has encountered the living God. And as a result, he

is ready to assist Israel in realizing God's plan for them.

"So often when God calls men to some specific task they are apt to

question it. . . . Too many times we have dealt with these summonses

of God as a juggler deals with ivory balls—keeping them suspended

in the air. . . . When once a vision has been given, action must follow

if we are to be worthy. We are commanded to live not in our visions,

but by them."—The

Interpreter's Bible,

vol. 2, p. 557.

List ways we can apply this battle strategy in the uplifting of

one another.

In light of Joshua 1, how would you define success? Is this the

working definition of success in your life?

What situations are you facing right now that remind you of

what Joshua faced at the Jordan River? How would you relate

the four steps that God revealed to Joshua to your situation? If

you have seen God work on your behalf in special

ways,

plan to

share your experience with others in the class.

Friday



April 14

FURTHER STUDY: Use

a Bible concordance to discover what else

God's Word has to say about the words

courage, promise,

and

meditate.

Which verses are your favorites and why? Memorize one

or two of these verses this coming Sabbath. If you have the

Compre-

hensive Index to the Writings of Ellen G. White

available, you also

might look up references to these words in her writings.

Read

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 481, 482.

"Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night

upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His

goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be

uplifted, as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light

that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more

than you ever before deemed possible."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 514.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Discuss how the four components of God's battle strategy

for success affect one another. Which one of the four is

primary, leading to the others?

How would you apply God's strategy for success to your

everyday struggles and temptations? In what ways can a

3500-year-old guide to success still be relevant to our mod-

ern situations in which we long for success?

How far are you prepared to go in obeying God's Word?

How much tangible evidence do you require before you

are willing to obey divine instructions?

Which of the commands God gave to Joshua seem to be the

most difficult for you to follow? Which of the promises are

the most encouraging?

SUMMARY:

God's unfailing battle strategy for success in spiritual

warfare involves four crucial elements: (1) undaunted courage, based

upon (2) unwavering confidence in the promises of God; (3) un-

swerving obedience to God's will, made possible by (4) daily com-

munion with Him, in meditation upon His Word.

Arime Builds a Church, part 2

Maye

Porter

Maye Porter works with children's ministries in Papua New

Guinea.

For L urrent Newsbreak, Call i -800-648-5824.

Arime had wanted to build a church, and had found a good

location. Bravely she asked Jack, the owner, whether they could

have the land for a church, but he had refused. Arime prayed,

and asked God what she should do. Her little Branch Sabbath

School band needed a place to worship.

Soon Arime had a visitor. It was Jack. Rather grudgingly he

told her she could build a church on the land. Her smile and

gratitude made him feel he had made a worthwhile sacrifice.

Jack watched the church slowly take shape at the hands of

Arime's little band. Jack had an interest in that piece of land, and

he developed a deeper interest in the church. He began to sug-

gest ways to build and helped the group collect materials. He

picked coffee beans to buy nails and timber. And when each

member of the group paid for a sheet of iron for the roof, Jack

bought one too.

Soon Jack began meeting with the Bible study group that

Arime taught, and he began to find the source of her inner joy.

Services were held in the church long before the roof was in

place, and Jack, though as yet unbaptized, volunteered to teach

the Sabbath School lesson and lead the singing. Soon Jack was

baptized, bringing to 32 the number of members. But they still

do not have a minister. Members lead out as they can, and

together they solve their problems and work toward a mature

Christianity.

"Next harvest," says Arime, "we will replace the dirt floor of

the church with a concrete one, and we will add a room for the

children to meet in.

Now we want to see where God wants us to grow the next

church. We have started a youth group to help us with our

outreach."

"Arime is like Ellen White," Jack said while standing outside

the little church. "She is our faithful leader." The impact of his

words of praise was all the more forceful because in that part of

the world women have little status.

God is blessing the dedication and good works of Arime, and

of the women of Papua New Guinea as they labor for Him.

Lesson 4



April 16-22

Reconnaissance

Sabbath

Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S LESSON: Joshua 2.

MEMORY TEXT: "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish

with those who were disobedient, because she had given friendly

welcome to the spies" (Hebrews 11:31, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Before embarking on the conquest of Canaan,

Joshua wisely launches a military fact-finding mission. From his

strategy we may learn lessons of spiritual reconnaissance in our

Christian warfare against our enemy, Satan.

FAITH, ACTION, SALVATION, AND MESSIAH.

Joshua

coupled his life of communion with God with the preparations of a

wise general. Faith and action always go together in the Christian

life. As Joshua had been one of two faithful spies (Numbers 13), so

now he sends two faithful spies on another reconnaissance mission.

In the enemy stronghold of Jericho, help comes to the scouts from a

most unexpected source—a person who had four things against her:

(1) This person was a woman. (2) She was a Canaanite. (3) She

earned a living as a prostitute. (4) She did not flinch at lying. This

person, Rahab, became one of the most singular examples of living,

active faith in all of Scripture. Salvation comes to her house, and

through her house comes the Messiah!

What remarkable evidence this story provides of God's willing-

ness to work through ordinary and unlikely people! (Compare Matt.

21:31.)

Sunday



April 16

RAHAB HIDES THE SCOUTS (Joshua 2:1-14).

What wise action did Joshua take before launching an inva-

sion of Canaan? Joshua 2:1.

"Jericho controlled the way of ascent into the mountains. At the

head of the ascent was another fortress, Ai. The descents and ascents

were made by old river beds which had carried the torrents down

these steep hills. . . . If the Israelites were going to capture the hill

country from which they could control the rest of the land, they

would have to press past Jericho, which controlled the lowest part, go

up the ascent and take Ai. Then they would be on top of the hill

country, able to expand their wedge and control the various parts of

the country from there."—Francis A. Schaeffer,

Joshua and the Flow

of Biblical History

(London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1975), p. 93.

What was the goal of the scouts' mission, and how did they

escape detection by the enemy? Was it appropriate for them to

go to the house of a prostitute? Joshua 2:1-7.

Josephus and other interpreters have sought to justify the visit of

the spies to Rahab's house by insisting that she was really an inn-

keeper instead of a prostitute. But the force of the Hebrew word

zonah

is clear—throughout Scripture it means a prostitute. Of course,

she may also have been an innkeeper, but this is not implied in the

Hebrew word. The context of this story makes plain that the purpose

of the spies' visit was not to purchase sexual favors. Rahab's house

was a place of anonymity and security, while its location in the wall

afforded an escape route. God guided the scouts.

Does Scripture condone Rahab's lie to protect the Israelite

scouts? Find other texts that deal with lying. (See

Patriarchs and

Prophets,

p. 130.)

Some have sought to explain away Rahab's answer as not really

lying, or to justify it as the lesser of two evils. But such attempts are

not faithful to the text or to the rest of Scripture. Rahab clearly told a

series of lies, but because these facts are

recorded

in the narrative

does not imply that God

approved

of her response.

Consider your actions over the past few days. What do they

tell you about how you view honesty?

Monday



April 17

RAHAB'S FAITH (Joshua 2:8-14).

What facts about Israel and the activity of Israel's God did

Rahab know? How does her relating these facts reveal her atti-

tude toward God? Joshua 2:8-11.

Rahab's recitation of the saving acts of the Lord is a surprising

testimony of faith in the one true God.

This is the heart of the story—she believed! Just as Abraham

"believed in the Lord; and He accounted it to him for righteousness"

(Gen. 15:6), so this prostitute from Canaan, who was probably an

Amorite, believed. "By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with

those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with

peace" (Heb. 11:31, NKJV). James 2:25 cites Rahab as one whose

works made her faith perfect.

"I know.

The Hebrew reads, 'I knew,' or, 'I have known.' Here

she uses the language of the prophets, expressing that which is

promised as though it were already fulfilled. Her faith was equal to

theirs. This was the encouragement that Joshua and the children of

Israel needed."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 2, p. 183.

How amazing is Rahab's faith in light of the prediction about

the Amorites made more than 400 years before! Gen. 15:16-21.

God predicted to Abraham that "in the fourth generation [or life-

time]" the Amorites would be ripe for judgment. For 400 years they

practiced depravity and debauchery. Most had completely extin-

guished any flicker of sensitivity to evil. But Rahab the prostitute

responded to God's Spirit, and He in turn clasped her hand as she

reached out to Him in faith.

What request does Rahab make of the spies, and what is their

reply? Joshua 2:12-14.

There can be little question that the people and king of Jericho

would have regarded Rahab's behavior as an act of high treason

punishable by death. Rahab clearly risked not only her life but the

lives of her entire family.

Her life blighted by the society in which she lived, Rahab

was a victim of her culture's social ills. What does her story tell

us about how we should relate to such people?

Tuesday



April 18

THE PROMISE OF THE SCARLET CORD (Joshua 2:15-21).

How were the spies able to escape? Joshua 2:15-17.

Archeologists have discovered evidence of houses built within the

wall of ancient Jericho from the very time of Joshua, 1400 B.C. The

mountain Rahab referred to was possibly Jebel Qarantal, an imposing

height to the northwest of Jericho. This rugged territory at the edge of

the Wilderness of Judea is full of caves and gullies that would serve

well as hiding places.

What three further conditions did the spies and Rahab agree

upon? Joshua 2:18-21.

What typological significance is there in the scarlet cord?

Compare the language used by the spies here (verses 12, 18-21)

with the description of the placement of the blood of the lamb in

the first Passover service (Ex. 12:7, 13, 21-23).

Commentators have noted the "striking similarities to the Pass-

over: compare the scarlet cord with the sprinkled blood and the

requirement that Rahab's family remain in the house with the com-

mand that the Passover be eaten in family units and that no one was

to leave the house (Exod. 12:21-23)."—Donald H. Madvig, "Joshua,"

The Expositor's Bible Commentary,

ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand

3, p. 263. (Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.)

Both stories refer to a "sign" or "token" (Joshua 2:12; Ex. 12:13),

and the spies use language almost parallel to the description of the

Passover (compare Ex. 12:21, 22 with Joshua 2:19). The "blood" of

the substitute lamb at the Passover contrasts with the blood upon the

heads of those who did not remain in Rahab's house under the sign of

the scarlet cord. All of this suggests the scarlet cord as a parallel to

the blood on the doorposts.

The Hebrew word for

cord

is translated "cord" only in Joshua 2.

Elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible (31 times) the word always means

"hope." Is there some play on the meaning of the word on the part of

the narrator? Regardless of whether the writer intended any pun,

other Bible authors clearly viewed Rahab as a model of hope!

If you had been an Israelite, how would you have reacted to

the news that the spies took refuge with Rahab?

Wednesday



April 19

RAHAB, MODEL OF HOPE (Joshua 6:17, 22-25; Matt. 1:1, 5, 6;

Heb. 11:31; James 2:25).

When Israel took Jericho, what happened to Rahab and her

household? Joshua 6:17, 22-25. Why did they not enter the Israelite's

camp immediately?

The later history of Rahab reveals that she married Salmon (one of

the princes of Judah), gave birth to Boaz, and thus became one of the

ancestors of the Messiah. (See Ruth 4:18-22; 1 Chron. 2:11-12; Num.

7:12; Matt. 1:1, 5, 6.)

How do later biblical writers honor and recognize Rahab's

living, active faith? Heb. 11:31; James 2:25.

As Francis Schaeffer points out, when we consider what Rahab

actually did, we should not be amazed at the honor afforded her. "In the

book of James, Rahab is the only person paralleled to Abraham. . . .

Abraham had faith, but it was a faith open to demonstration. In fact, it was

demonstrated at a tremendous cost: He was willing to trust God and to

offer his son. Rahab, too, had faith that had teeth in it, structure to it,

strength in it. She was willing to suffer loss to demonstrate that her faith

was valid.

"This woman Rahab stood alone in faith against the

total

culture

which surrounded her—something none of us today in the western

world has ever yet had to do. For a period of time she stood for the

unseen against the seen, standing in acute danger until Jericho fell."

—Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History,

p. 72.

How is the experience of Rahab in a sense like the experience

of all of us?

In one sense we are all Rahabs. Before we came to Christ, we were

all outside the family of God, sinners in a degenerate culture, victims

of Satan. But God revealed His mighty acts in history to us, and

awakened faith within us. In Christ, we have all chosen to lay our

lives on the line as we repudiate our past and side with God's people.

The blood of Jesus, as a scarlet cord, is a sign spread over our lives.

Now we live as aliens in the midst of a godless culture, awaiting our

final and full deliverance at the time of judgment.

How might your

personal

experience be like Rahab's?

Thursday



April

THE RETURN OF THE SPIES (Joshua 2:22-24).

In what ways was the reconnaissance mission of the two scouts

a success? Summarize their return adventure and their message

to Joshua. Joshua 2:22-24.

Compare the story of the mission of the twelve spies (Numbers

14) with that of the two spies in Joshua 2. What elements of the

"spy stories" are the same? What elements are different?

Why didn't the two spies bring back "fruits" from the land as

the twelve had done 40 years earlier? Or did they bring back the

"fruit" of Canaan after all?

In a sense the two spies eventually did bring back fruit from their

reconnaissance mission—Rahab and her family were the ultimate

"fruit"! Ellen White mentions Rahab and her family as one of the

examples of "fruit" from the heathen lands that was gathered into the

garner of Israel. (See

Prophets and Kings,

p. 369.)

But the garner could have held more.

That God saved such a

person as Rahab and her family tells us much about His grace, even

though the utter destruction of Jericho seems like cruelty at its worst.

We must remember that "the Israelites acted strictly according to

divine orders (Deut. 20:16, 17). . . . The Canaanites had reached the

limit of their probation. God had given them an adequate opportunity

for repentance, just as He gives to every person in this world (John

1:9; 2 Peter 3:9). At last mercy can go no further without interfering

with the justice of God. At such a time God must act in order to be

true to His character, which includes justice as well as mercy. It often

becomes an act of love to cut off those who have had their opportu-

nity, lest their evil example corrupt others. . . . Had the inhabitants of

Jericho so desired, they might all have shared in the salvation that

came to Rahab and her house."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 2,

pp. 198, 199.

In a book full of judgment upon God's enemies, before any people

are destroyed there is first an illustration of God's willingness to save

rather than destroy. It is an illustration of the nature and power of

saving faith in the life of a person whom most of us would never

choose to be an ancestor of the Messiah.

Friday



April 21

FURTHER STUDY:

Read all of Hebrews 11 and James 2 for the

context of the New Testament references to Rahab and righteousness

by faith.